In honor of Veterans Day, convenience store chain 7-Eleven has started its first-ever giveaway contest, opened exclusively to veterans, named Operation: Take Command. According to CSPnet.com, the winner of the contest will get $190,000 to franchise any of the available store locations within the U.S.
In order to qualify for the grand prize, contestants must be at least 21 years old, have been honorably discharged from the service, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have three years of experience in a leadership, retail or restaurant position and have good credit. Marine Corps Times reported that veterans who enter the competition will undergo the standard 7-Eleven franchise application process. This includes multiple interviews, leadership evaluations and discussions concerning business plans, budget and location. The top 10 applicants will need to submit a video to Facebook outlining why they are the best fit for this tremendous opportunity. Once the videos have been posted, the public can vote for their favorite contestant.
The convenience store chain is no stranger to military service. Joe DePinto, 7-Eleven's chief executive officer, is a graduate of the Military Academy at West Point and a retired officer for the U.S. Army, who got involved with the company in his life after service. Currently, the organization gives a 20 percent discount to veterans looking to open their first franchise, which can save them about $50,000. The business also offers former servicemembers preferred interest rates and special financing to get their store off the ground and running, noted Marine Corps Times.
The business has been named to multiple lists for Military-friendly employment.
"7-Eleven is a winner, too, because veterans bring top-notch leadership skills, a can-do attitude and mission-oriented focus to their business. Our experience has shown that U.S. veterans have the desire, ambition and core values needed to be successful 7-Eleven franchisees," DePinto told Marine Corps Times.